Online Reporter
Obey Sibanda, [email protected]
THE devastating fire that tore through Essex House Building near Selbourne Hotel in Bulawayo this week has once again highlighted the ever-present danger of fire outbreaks in the city’s ageing commercial buildings.
The blaze broke out on Wednesday at around 1PM along Leopold Takawira Avenue between George Silundika Street and Fife Street, sending thick smoke billowing across the city centre and triggering a major emergency response.
Firefighters were forced into a race against time as they battled to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties. Several fire engines, scores of firefighters and additional water bowsers were dispatched to the scene as emergency teams worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control.
The scale of the incident stretched emergency resources, particularly as fire crews were already responding to three separate veld fires reported elsewhere in the city.
Although no lives were lost, the destruction left behind is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences fire can have on businesses, property owners and the wider community. The incident has also raised fresh questions about the state of fire safety measures in commercial buildings.
Fire Prevention Zimbabwe training and standards director Reggies Sibanda said the Essex House blaze should serve as a wake-up call for greater emphasis on prevention rather than response.
“The best way to effectively deal with fire is to prevent it. By so doing, we are saving life and resources,” he Sibanda.
While authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, Sibanda said the incident presents an opportunity to intensify public education on fire safety and prevention.
“Whilst fire investigations are ongoing to ascertain the possible cause of the fire, as the fire prevention expert, I think it will be prudent to start educating people about dangers that relate to fire outbreak and how best all that can be prevented,” he said.
He stressed the need for urgent inspections of commercial buildings, particularly older structures that may have ageing electrical infrastructure.
“Whilst the relevant inspectorate departments are overwhelmed with other duties, it is now urgent that they start building inspections to check if the electrical system within the buildings is still within the tolerable range,” he said.
According to Sibanda, neglected electrical systems remain one of the leading causes of fires in older buildings.
“Normally, old wiring can cause fire if left unchecked for a long time. Also equally important, the relevant inspectorate departments must check if the businesses are adopting the safe culture of operating electrical equipment and the gas system is also within recommended safety standards to avoid unnecessary fire outbreak.”
Beyond inspections, he said there was a need for sustained fire awareness campaigns aimed at helping business operators understand basic fire prevention measures and emergency preparedness.
“Regular fire prevention awareness campaigns and training must also be done so as to educate the business people about fire prevention,” he said.
Sibanda urged businesses, property owners and the public to play an active role in promoting safety and reducing fire risks.
“My parting point is, let us all participate in this crucial initiative of fire prevention so that we all operate in a safe environment.”
The Essex House fire may have been contained without loss of life, but experts say it should serve as a warning that prevention, vigilance and regular safety inspections are essential if similar incidents are to be avoided in future.
